London’s Night Czar, Amy Lamé, says she is “hugely happy” at City Hall because she gets to work with the Mayor who she describes as an “amazing” LGBTQ+ ally.

In this year's general election we elected more LGBTQ+ MPs to parliament than ever before, 45 in total. However, Lamé says more representation on its own is not enough:

“Having more LGBTQ+ people in positions of power, particularly in politics, is important because we can set the tone.

"Often it’s from the top down that these future changes happen and i think its important we have more LGBTQ+ representation in all areas of elected office, but I also think its important to realise where our allies are.”

Lamé is now nine months into her new role at City Hall and LGBTQ+ venues continue to be her top priority. According to a new report by UCL Urban Laboratory, in the past 11 years we have seen the number of LGBTQ+ venues here in the capital fall by 57 per cent.

She has now published a new charter for venues, the first step in curbing the fall in the number of LGBTQ+ pubs and clubs. Lamé has personal experience in this after putting a lot of work into protecting the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, the venue where she holds her weekly club night Duckie.

“I don’t see myself living a double life, I am living my life.

"As Night Czar it would be absolutely preposterous if I got this job, then all of a sudden all I was doing was working 9am to 5pm in an office.”